what did Indus Valley practice
The Indus Valley civilization, which existed from 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, practiced several religious and cultural beliefs. The exact religious practices of the Indus Valley people are still not fully understood due to the lack of deciphered written records. However, several artifacts and archaeological findings suggest that they had a complex and organized religious system.
The most prominent religious symbol found in the Indus Valley civilization is the "Pashupati Seal," depicting a seated figure surrounded by various animals, possibly representing a deity associated with animals and fertility. This suggests that they might have worshiped or believed in a divine figure related to nature and animals.
The presence of several terracotta figurines, often referred to as "Mother Goddess" or "Fertility Goddess," points to the importance of female deities associated with fertility and motherhood. These figurines were found in various sizes and forms, suggesting a belief in the power and significance of the female reproductive capabilities in their religious rituals and practices.
Other archaeological findings, such as fire altars, stone phalluses, and sacred pools, suggest that fire worship and water rituals might have also played a role in their religious practices. Additionally, evidence of a system of water management, including well-planned and meticulously organized drainage networks, suggests that water had a significant spiritual and practical significance in their lives.
Overall, the religious practices of the Indus Valley civilization appear to have involved the worship of various deities associated with nature, fertility, and possibly celestial bodies. However, due to the limited understanding of their written language and lack of deciphered inscriptions, many aspects of their religious practices remain speculative and open to interpretation.